There are some stories you hear and think, no – that cannot be even remotely true. Alas, human history was built on those types of tales and Tim Ayre has one of his own. A story about one of his friends and a trip to Mexico inspired him to pen a song and from there. “Mexican Holiday” can be found on his June 16th release, ‘Modern Life.’ We talked about that South of the Border trip, the EP, and more in this back and forth exchange.
Kendra: When you are known for being part of a duo, do you approach your solo material with a heavy hand and work that much harder to ensure what you do now stands apart from what you as part of Tim & Jean?
Tim Ayre: Not really…I’ve kept all my projects pretty separate and I usually create in the moment so I don’t think about it.
Kendra: When it comes to ‘Modern Life,’ so far it feels like a very wanderlust-influenced record with “Mexican Holiday” and “Miami Drive.” Are you someone that is influenced by anywhere but your home?
Tim Ayre: I love my home. I think most of the songs are influenced by home. Like the little joke in the “Miami Drive” video trying to find Miami and Mexico within the map of Australia. I think the themes came from not being able to go on tour in Europe and America, so I spent the time in lockdown at home writing.
Kendra: Speaking of “Mexican Holiday”…WTF? That is one hell of a story. Like, it could be the basis for a movie. Some backstory for readers, Tim’s friend was only planning on visiting Mexico for a few months in 2014, took some Peyote, never came home, and last he heard – was working at a bar at the beach. Do you think this song may reach them and act as a bridge to open your lines of communication with them again?
Tim Ayre: It’s pretty crazy haha! I think Paul is safe and sound. Love you, Paul.
Kendra: Once COVID eases up, are your plans to head to Mexico and find him back on?
Tim Ayre: Yes I’m planning on it. He can give me some local knowledge now.
Kendra: Back to the record, ‘Modern Life’ is very DIY. Do you feel being 100% hands-on these days is creating more authentic content overall compared to mainstream music that can tend to lean towards overprocessed?
Tim Ayre: Yeah, I think so. it’s also easier to make music at home now so naturally, you’ll hear more DIY records
Kendra: Lastly, it’s getting a little easier with the vaccine rollouts, but it’s still kind of hard to have a definite answer when it comes to future plans given the current state of everything, but as far as what you can control when it comes to your career and creativity – what do you have planned in the coming months for yourself?
Tim Ayre: I plan to tour this EP in Australia then as soon as possible head to Europe and make my album.
